1. Tamarind Restaurant & Dhow

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Tamarind Restaurant & Dhow has two facets to it, as the name suggests – the restaurant that overlooks the Nyali creek and the traditional “dhow”, that cruises along the creek’s waters. A dhow is a traditional wooden sailing boat that has been converted into a floating restaurant, perfect for those who aren’t worried about finding their sea legs. The restaurant has a menu with French, Asian and African inspired dishes, centered on fresh, locally sourced seafood.

Carnivores and vegetarians will also find dishes to suit their needs. The restaurant and dhow provide what will undoubtedly be the most romantic dining experience in Mombasa, whether for lunch or dinner. The dhow cruise experience comes with live entertainment and plenty of space to get your groove on!

Tamarind Restaurant & Dhow

Address: Jetty Tamarind, Mombasa, Kenya

Website: Tamarind Restaurant & Dhow

2. Yul's Aquadrom

Located on the beachfront at Bamburi Beach, the restaurant offers scenic views over the Indian Ocean. Yul’s is renowned for its pizzas as much as it is for its homemade gelatos. Apart from the Italian inspired pizzas and pasta, the menu features an array of freshly grilled seafood. Work up an appetite by trying some fun things to do, such as renting a jet ski and hitting the sea or simply relaxing with a cocktail at their beachside bar.

Yul's Aquadrom

Address: P.O.Box 10286, Malindi Rd, Mombasa, Kenya

Website: Yul’s Aquadrom

3. Tarboush Café

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This streetside café by the park, on Makadara Road, offers perfect insight into the Indian and Arabic influences on cuisine, in Mombasa. With a menu featuring BBQ items such as chicken tikka, “mishkaki” (skewered meat), kebabs, naan bread along with biryani and shawarma, this restaurant is almost perpetually busy and a local favorite. Wash down your meal with a sweet and tart Mabungo juice – made from the Bungo fruit of the rubber vine.

Tarboush Café

Address: Makadara Rd, Mombasa, Kenya

4. Jahazi Coffee House

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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After a visit to Fort Jesus, as you wander into the Old Town, you’ll come upon the Jahazi Coffee House, set in a restored building and offering traditional Swahili dishes, in a space that serves as a community learning center, with resources such as a library, art and historical pieces.

Traditional Swahili snacks such as mahamri (savory fried bread), halwa (a sweet confection), samosas and bhajia’s accompany the list of traditionally prepared kahawa (coffee) and tea. For a more substantial meal, biryani’s and pulaos are available on the menu, where you can also pre-order a buffet meal, that will feature an ensemble of Swahili dishes.

Jahazi Coffee House

Address: Ndia Kuu Rd, Mombasa, Kenya

Website: Jahazi Coffee House

5. The Moorings

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Set on Mtwapa Creek, the Moorings is a floating restaurant, renowned for its choice of fresh fish, lobster, crab and prawns. Landlubbers will also find pizza, pasta and meat dishes on the menu. Their expertly prepared seafood menu can also be enjoyed on its traditional dhow, that will take you along the banks of the creek. The restaurant is perfect for a casual lunch or that romantic dinner!

The Moorings

Address: Kwa Chief, Next To Motor Garage, Off Malindi Road, Mtwapa, Kenya

Website: The Moorings

6. Forodhani Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Close to the Old Port of Mombasa, Forodhani is a seafront restaurant that offers spectacular views of the Mombasa Harbour. Its menu is centered on Pakistani, Indian and Arabic influences, with dishes such as chicken tikka, kebabs and a range of grilled items. Sample the egg chapatti, which is an infamous street food dish, that comes either stuffed with minced meat or onions.

Forodhani Restaurant

Address: Old town, Mombasa, Kenya

Facebook: Forodhani

7. Thalassa Restaurant & Lounge

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Located just off the Nyali Bridge and on the embankment of the creek, Thalassa Restaurant & Lounge is managed by the Honorary Consul of France, in Mombasa. Apart from the views, the restaurant and lounge offer an intimate and relaxing ambiance. The predominantly French cuisine has dishes infused with Kenyan spices, which provide an authentic local flair. For a more casual affair, visit the Pizza Garden or simply soak in the ambiance at the bar with a shisha.

Thalassa Restaurant & Lounge

Address: Near Nyali Bridge, Along Nyali Highway, Nyali Rd, Mombasa, Kenya

Facebook: Thalassa Restaurant & Lounge

8. Cafesserie

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Italian coffee, a French bakery, and continental cuisine! On the ground floor of the City Mall in Nyali, Cafesserie is a welcome addition to the dining scene in Mombasa, with its bistro-deli style concept. All day breakfast, sandwiches, mouthwatering salads, their Ribeye burger, and signature pasta dishes are just some of the must-try items from the gourmet menu. The French bakery ensures you have perfectly fresh baked bread and patisserie.

Read our article on the Cafesserie in Mombasa.

Cafesserie

Address: Ground Floor, City Mall - Nyali, Mombasa - Kenya

Website: Cafesserie

9. Mombasa Lighthouse

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Mombasa Lighthouse is a destination, rather than an actual restaurant. Set on a cliff, the long drive to the Lighthouse and the Port of Mombasa features a number of parking spots, which allow for cars and their passengers to stop and gaze at the passing ships and waves of the Indian Ocean. Here, a number of vendors sell freshly fried cassava chips, along with grilled cassava, sweetcorn, and sweet potatoes, that can all be washed down with the juice of a tender coconut.

Read more here.

10. MNKafé

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Set in the suburban neighborhood of Kizingo, MNKafe has roots that can be traced back to New York. The spin-off of the Spice Grill, formerly of New York, MNKafe hits the spot when it comes to its array of Belgian waffles, pancakes, milkshakes, sandwiches, and wraps. The café caters to a diverse clientele who have come to appreciate not only its offerings but its ambiance as well.

Read our article on the irresistible MNKafé.

MNKafé

Address: Kaunda Avenue, Mombasa, Kenya

Website: MNKafé

Time to eat!

Have you tried any of our 10 selected restaurants? What were your favorite dishes?